Penn. Dept. of Agriculture
Spotted Lanternfly
Fairfax County is asking all Northern Virginia residents to be on the lookout for the Spotted Lanternfly and its eggs this fall.
"The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to peach, apple, grape and wine industries. They also have a negative effect on your yard plants. The spotted lanternfly has been found in more areas throughout the County and we are asking for the public’s help to lessen the number. If you see adult spotted lanternflies, stomp/kill them immediately (and report them to us)," Fairfax County officials note.
The egg masses usually look like dark spots on tree branches. They are covered in a grey wax-like material that looks like mud when it dries. Egg masses may appear from now through November or beyond, depending on the weather.
Fairfax County
Spotted Lanternfly egg mass.
Eggs can survive the winter and hatch if they are only scraped onto the ground, so please do the following:
- Egg masses should be carefully scraped into a container and drowned in soapy water or rubbing alcohol.
- Pesticides are unnecessary and should be avoided.
- Egg masses (once drowned) can be safely disposed of in your trash, composted or simply buried in your yard.
